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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Getaways for Parents in the San Francisco Bay Area

It's not easy to get away without the kiddies - you need someone to watch them and it takes planning! One of my online groups was brainstorming about places to go, and I thought I'd post some of them here.

Where do you like to go? Please put your favorites in the comments section!

MARIN/NAPA/SONOMA
CARNEROS INN - This was recommended because each room is a private cottage with a secluded backyard. The mom also liked that there were four restaurants on site (and it's a PlumpJack resort, so you know the food and wines are good!). Children are allowed at the inn, but it's mostly adults, she said. There's a spa and seasonal specials. They have free outdoor movies on Saturday evenings June through October.

INDIAN SPRINGS - This Calistoga hot springs and hotel offers single rooms, lodge rooms and cottages. The main pool is a hot spring pool (it's awesome - I've been). The spa and mud treatments are great too, though my experience is that the spa was a little downscale (at least for the massage facilities). I enjoyed the mud bath - it's quite an experience if you haven't had one before. One mom said she loves it "if you just want to lounge and pamper and do some fine dining and wine drinking."


MOUNTAIN VIEW INN AND SPA - This is also a Calistoga place. The mom who recommended it said you can rent a private cabana with hot tub, and still access the main pool. It's downtown, so it's easy to dine/drink close by and not need to drive.


CAVALLO POINT - I'm told that this Sausalito hotel has an amazing spa, restaurant and cooking classes, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay. It also has great hiking nearby. 


VILLAGIO INN AND SPA - this Yountville hotel and spa is said to be relaxing, with a lot of nice restaurants and a great pool. Eat breakfast outside, and enjoy the complimentary afternoon tea.


MADRONA MANOR - outside Healdsburg, this hotel is in a stately old manor house that is nothing like a traditional hotel with tons of rooms. Rooms are homey (but nice) with floral touches - many 
with fireplaces. The mom noted that the restaurant is pretty as well.


MANKA'S INVERNESS LODGE - an hour north of San Francisco, this hotel came recommended by a mom who loved "the most amazing breakfast delivered to your door around 9:00. If you can get #7 (room), it was unreal, just a small room, with a killer bed, real fireplace with two comfy leather chairs. A deck with a hot tub and the bathroom that was to die for - a wonderful pedastal tub and wicked cool concrete shower."


BIG SUR/SOUTH BAY/MONTEREY
TREEBONES - This Big Sur resort has cute yurts where you stay. It's an ecoresort, with an emphasis on recycling and clean energy. There are hot tubs, massages (in your yurt) and beautiful scenery/hiking. Children are allowed (4 yurts are for families). Note that there are no restrooms in the yurts - they're a 1-2 minute walk.

RITZ-CARLTON - HALF MOON BAY
- The views from here are gorgeous and it's not far away. As for recreation, they have a spa, golf course, tennis, horseback riding, Segway tours, bike riding, surfing and swimming. 


HIGHLANDS INN - Near Carmel, this is a beautiful location and in close enough distance to Carmel to enjoy its food and environment. The Inn, a Hyatt property, overlooks the Big Sur coast. The rooms are described by the mom recommending it, as really nice, with spa tubs in the room.


MONARCH COVE INN - This Capitola inn has private cabanas, and is situated on a bluff overlooking the ocean. however it is close to the beaches and downtown, and an easy drive to Santa Cruise. The mom recommending this place recommends eating breakfast at Gayles Bakery, and renting kayaks in the Monterey Bay.

The Sanctuary Beach Resort - near Monterey, this resort is supposed to be lovely - on the sand dunes. Guest rooms have fireplaces and views of the dunes or the ocean, as well as private decks and binoculars. Take advantage of the spa too.

SPIN DRIFT INN - This Monterey hotel is said to have European-style charm (and a great history). The hotel is on Cannery Row, with bay views.


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2 comments:

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  2. Great outline! Another beautiful Big Sur resort is Post Ranch Inn. The views are stunning!

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